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olgrime

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Dec 27, 2015
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So just wondering what would be the best bank for my wife when she comes to Canada, and why?
 
They're all really the same, to be honest. All of them charge high bank fees and give low interest payments. You could go to a credit union for banking as they usually don't charge fees, but they don't have many ATMs around.
 
olgrime said:
So just wondering what would be the best bank for my wife when she comes to Canada, and why?


Royal bank is great
 
mikeymyke said:
They're all really the same, to be honest. All of them charge high bank fees and give low interest payments. You could go to a credit union for banking as they usually don't charge fees, but they don't have many ATMs around.
100% right, all the same, I would say to take the one who is more convenient in your area ( number of atm or the closest one to your home) For me it was BMO. Up to you
You can flip the coin also lol ;)
 
The PC Financial doesn't have monthly fees but you have to do everything online. They don't have a teller but you can use CIBC machines.. I got it when I was a student and because I got used to it... I never switched.. For some services such as cerfitied cheques, you can go through CIBC and they'll do it for you.. and also, I think it depends where you live too..I live Ottawa, there aren't that many BMO or TD banks around but you can see CIBC all over the town...as others said, whichever is convenient for you, you can go with that..
 
I use Alterna Savings.

It's a credit union and way better than the big 5.
 
Go with Scotia bank start right program
It's amazing
 
I would say Scotia they have a lot of new programs for new immigrants like credit cards and start up accounts.
 
pc financial is a great starter account. there are no fees. however, when the account is first opened, there may be a very small withdrawal limit and it will take longer for deposits to clear. after a certain amount of time, you can call to increase the withdrawal limit. they do not have credit card offers for newcomers, so it can be difficult to be approved for one. they run a credit check for overdraft protection, so it's also difficult to get that added to the account. i have yet to qualify for both and i've had the account for almost 2 years now. overall i love it because it's easy and most importantly free. the account can be linked to pc points too.
 
Hey, I would recommend you checking out Tangerine.ca. Tangerine bank is good with customer service, no fee on any banking product and they really care about people. I am with them for past 5 year and I can say that they really mean it. Btw, Tangerine was bought by Scotiabank few years ago before it was called ingDirect Canada. Good luck :)
 
They are all bad to be honest.

BMO gave my wife a year of free banking.
 
CDNPR2014 said:
pc financial is a great starter account. there are no fees. however, when the account is first opened, there may be a very small withdrawal limit and it will take longer for deposits to clear. after a certain amount of time, you can call to increase the withdrawal limit. they do not have credit card offers for newcomers, so it can be difficult to be approved for one. they run a credit check for overdraft protection, so it's also difficult to get that added to the account. i have yet to qualify for both and i've had the account for almost 2 years now. overall i love it because it's easy and most importantly free. the account can be linked to pc points too.

I am a loyal PC financial customer but I do not recommend getting a credit card with them at all. They are extremely strict. If you want to build your credit, it's better to get it from other institute such as CIBC or TD but not PC. Do not waste your time on them. With minimum 2 late or miss payments they can drop your credit which may affect your score. But, the other institutions are more flexible.
 
aylar10 said:
I am a loyal PC financial customer but I do not recommend getting a credit card with them at all. They are extremely strict. If you want to build your credit, it's better to get it from other institute such as CIBC or TD but not PC. Do not waste your time on them. With minimum 2 late or miss payments they can drop your credit which may affect your score. But, the other institutions are more flexible.

good to know, thanks!
 
Go with tangerine they are offering $25 free referral bonus, and their savings account give higher interest rates and no monthly fees.
 
My vote is for CIBC. They have a great starter package for new PR's. Free checking for a year, starter credit card, and more.